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All but one of those twelve calibers were sold primarily to the domestic trade. The low return percentage (less than 4% known) of .476 caliber Single Actions to the United States has deprived many of this country’s collectors from owning this interesting variation” (page 53). As Colt author David Brown put it, “The .476 guns are extremely rare, and only a few of the 161 standard frame pieces have returned to the United States” (“The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army,” page 34). The first known shipment of .476 SAAs to Colt’s London Agency occurred in October 1885. This shipment
was for one hundred SAAs chambered in .476. Over the next few years Colt shipped an additional sixty one standard frame revolvers in this caliber to London.
This .476 SAA was part of the sixty-one units that made it to England after the first initial shipment of one hundred. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 7 1⁄2 inch barrel in .476 caliber and blue finish. The stocks are not listed, a common indication for standard walnut, which this revolver
is wearing. There was no mention of the high front sight, which is most certainly factory. The letter also states the revolver was part of an April 30, 1891 shipment of six guns delivered to Colt’s London Agency, London, England. A second revolver (no. 140118) that was also part of this shipment is pictured in “The Official Record Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873- 1895” on page 378. Includes two photographs of the original purchase order dated April 13, 1891. The barrel has the one-line Pall Mall, London address on top and “476-CAL” on the left side. The left side of the frame has the
standard two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. London proofs appear on the underside of the barrel and behind each cylinder flute. The matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard and back strap.
The presentation oak case features a brass plaque on the exterior of the lid inscribed, “QUEEN’S WESTR VOLS:/L.Co. PRIZE MEETING/1893/1ST PRIZE WON BY/CAPT. R.T. JONES.” The interior of the case lid has a Colt London label.
The case contains a cartridge block holding seven Eley cartridges and two casings, two flat head screwdrivers, cleaning rod with attachment, “L” shaped screwdriver, Dixon & Son oiler, case key, hammer spring, and hammer. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 80% plus bright original high
polish blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The hammer
and frame retain 85% original case colors. the grip is fine with a number
of dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with minor handling/storage marks and some typical high spot wear on the lining. The Colt London label is legible. A real crown jewel in Colt collecting, this presentation cased Colt London black powder Single Action Army Revolver in exceptionally rare .476 caliber is worthy of the finest public or private collections. It will certainly make a grand statement even in the most advanced collection.
Provenance: The Gerald Fox Collection; The John Malloy Collection;
The George S. Lewis Jr Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 40,000 - 60,000 151